Makalu Base Camp Trek

Most trek require:

• TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System).
• National Park/Conservation Area Permits (e.g., Sagarmatha or Annapurna permits).
• Restricted Area Permits (for Upper Mustang, Manaslu, etc.).

Great Nepal Treks handles all permit arrangements for hassle-free travel.

Yes! Insurance covering emergency helicopter evacuation (up to 6,000m) and high-altitude medical expenses is essential. Many standard policies exclude altitudes above 4,000m, so verify coverage before booking.

We prioritize safety with:

• Pulse oximeters & daily health checks.
• Emergency oxygen and portable hyperbaric chambers on high-altitude climbs.
• Helicopter evacuation protocols and satellite communication in remote areas.
• Small groups for better guide-to-client attention.

Absolutely! Beginner-friendly treks include:

• Ghorepani Poon Hill (3-5 days, easy-moderate).
• Langtang Valley (7-10 days, moderate).
• Everest View Trek (short, low-altitude).

Great Nepal Treks customizes itineraries for all skill levels.

You will be affected by high altitude problems if it is your fist trip at a high altitude. The altitude has some important beneficial effects on the human body and your trips have been designed to enable these. Please familiarize yourself with the information on AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) and understand how to avoid it and read on benefits of high altitude and take advantage of these to improve your body’s metabolism.

While basic fitness is enough for trekking peaks like Island Peak, technical climbs require ice/rock climbing skills and high-altitude experience. Training courses in Nepal are available.

Altitude sickness is the reaction of the body adjusting to decreasing amounts of oxygen. The high altitude slowly decreases the flow of oxygen means the higher you climb, the flow of oxygen is very thin resulting the malfunction of body. Altitude sickness most commonly occurs from above 2,800 meters (9,200ft) but this is different for everyone – there is simply no way of knowing your own susceptibility prior to being at altitude thus it is vital for you to monitor your own health. AMS occurs when the body is unable to adopt at the higher altitude having less amount of oxygen. At an altitude of 5490m (18000 ft.), the oxygen availability becomes just the half of the availability at sea level. While only a third of oxygen is available at the summit of Mt. Everest. Symptoms may be mild and subside/go away after a day’s rest, or if it is ignored it could lead to death.

Symptoms can appear within 1-2 hours although most often appear 6-10 hours after ascent and generally subside in 1-2 days as the body adjusts to altitude. They may reappear as you continue to go higher. Symptoms of AMS usually occur gradually and can be one or a combination of the following:
• Headache: Due to the less amount of oxygen in air, the blood influences the blood vessels to spread wide in order to supply more oxygen to the brain and which cause them to show the early symptom of AMS.
• Dopiness: The trekkers or climbers feel very sleepy but could not.
• Shortness of breath: The breathing pattern changes as the breathing becomes faster and deeper than normal in order to get enough oxygen and rapid pulse
• Loss of appetite and nausea: Despite of physical exercise, the trekkers don’t have an appetite to eat.

Climbers need a peak climbing permit from the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) and TIMS card. Restricted areas require special permits arranged through agencies.

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)

Essential gear includes crampons, ice axes, harnesses, and high-altitude clothing. Many items can be rented in Kathmandu or Namche Bazaar.

Breathlessness

Most 6,000m peak climbs take 2-3 weeks, including trekking to base camp, acclimatization, and summit attempts.

– Severe headache symptoms not relieved by painkillers or lying down
– Confusion, disorientation & drowsiness
– Nausea/vomiting
– Loss of balance or coordination
– Blurred or double vision/retinal hemorrhage

Most travelers are able to successfully acclimatize by following the previously mentioned guidelines. However, there are instances where medical treatment is required. Ultimately, the best treatment for acute mountain sickness (AMS) is to descend to a lower altitude and rest. Early diagnosis is important. Acute mountain sickness is easier to treat in the early stages. The guide will monitor you all the time for symptoms and will pace you appropriately to minimize your exposure to AMS.Cooperating with the guide and reporting if any of the above-described symptoms are seen allows your guide to undertaking appropriate and timely action to minimize your exposure to AMS. Sufficient time for acclimatization (After 3000 meters) is also another method to minimize AMS. Following precautions can be done in order to get rid of AMS:
Don’t ascent up rapidly.
• Never use alcohol, sleeping pills and smoking.
• Drink more fluid 3-4 liters a day, clean boiled water / tea / coffee / soup / juice etc.
• Climb high and sleep low.
• Don’t go trekking alone, take guide/porter.
• Follow the advice from your guide, hotel, local people, guidebook.
• Descent if mild symptoms rapidly getting worse.
• Never leave or descent sick person along.
• Avoid getting cold.
• Take an easy and comfortable trekking route even if it is longer.
• Sleep more than normal.
Your Guide will carry some medications in First Aid Kit and may suggest for medication such as Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, combination of them or specific AMS medication. Standard and effective medication for prevention of AMS is Acetazolamide (Diamox) and it may be given to help improve breathing and reduce mild symptoms. This drug can cause increased urination. Ensure you drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol when taking this drug.With severe cases of AMS, our guide will contact our office in Kathmandu and arrange your evacuation by helicopter. Before we accept you on the trek we will require that you purchase health and travel insurance including helicopter rescue and hospitalization.

You never know when the unexpected situation comes and put you in hearse condition whether you are professional or beginners. Our professional guides do their best to make you well with first aid support. If the situation goes worse, you will be evacuated by Helicopter. You are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation. So, before coming to Nepal, please make your travel insurance. Ask your guide to arrange a runner to the nearest communication point and inform office about requirement of a helicopter. For evacuation, we require the name of the sick person and the exact location from where helicopter can airlift you. You should not leave the place after calling Helicopter for evacuation though you are feeling better than before.

Security and a safe journey is our core objective of trekking. Our guide holds licenses issued by the Nepal Government and our staffs are local, honest, kind and genuine. But we also insist you to take care of your own personal belongings. If you are on ‘camping trek’ please take your main bag inside the tent once you reach campsite and put all bags and belongings in the middle of the tent when you feel sleepy. Your guide assigns a Sherpa on turn wise basis to guard the campsite throughout the night. If you are on ‘Tea house arrangement, never leave your baggage unattended and keep your lodge room locked when you go out. Feel safe since you are in the hands of ethical trekking company in Nepal.

Yes, insurance covering high-altitude climbing (up to 6,500m+) and emergency evacuation is mandatory for all expeditions.

Restricted Areas are specific regions in Nepal designated by the government to protect sensitive border zones, unique cultures, and fragile environments. Access to these areas is controlled, and trekkers must obtain a special permit through a registered trekking agency

The permit system helps manage tourism’s impact, ensures trekkers’ safety in remote regions, and preserves the cultural and ecological integrity of these sensitive zones. It also mandates that you trek with a guide for support and security.

Manaslu Circuit Trek: A stunning journey around the world’s eighth-highest mountain.
Upper Mustang Trek: A trans-Himalayan desert experience known as the “Last Forbidden Kingdom.”
Upper Dolpo Trek: A remote and rugged trek featured in the film “Himalaya.”
Lower Dolpo Trek: A challenging trek through isolated landscapes and ancient monasteries.
Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek: A trek to the base of the world’s third-highest mountain.
Tsum Valley Trek: A sacred valley hidden in the Manaslu region with a strong Tibetan Buddhist culture.
Nar Phu Valley Trek: A trek into a hidden world of ancient villages and high passes near the Annapurna Circuit.

You cannot obtain a RAP independently. The permit must be arranged by a government-registered trekking agency in Nepal on your behalf. You will need to provide your passport details, passport-sized photos, and the required fees to your chosen agency, who will handle the application process.

Costs and requirements vary by region and season. For example:

Yes. Trekking with a licensed guide is compulsory in all Restricted Areas. For some regions, like Upper Mustang, you must also be in a group of at least two trekkers. Porters are not mandatory but are highly recommended for a more enjoyable and sustainable trekking experience.

No. Independent or solo trekking is strictly prohibited in Restricted Areas. You must be part of an organized group and accompanied by a licensed guide at all times.

The ideal seasons are Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). These periods offer stable weather, clear skies, and moderate temperatures. Most Restricted Areas, especially those at high altitudes, are inaccessible during the winter monsoon (December-February) and summer monsoon (June-August) due to heavy snow or rain.

Nepal is a paradise for trekkers, offering some of the world’s most iconic trails, from the legendary Everest Base Camp and Annapurna Circuit to remote gems like Upper Mustang and Kanchenjunga. The country’s diverse landscapes—lush valleys, high-altitude deserts, and towering Himalayan peaks—provide unmatched adventure opportunities. Nepal is also culturally rich, with ancient monasteries, traditional villages, and warm Sherpa hospitality. Whether you seek challenging expeditions or scenic tea-house treks, Nepal caters to all levels of experience, making it a top destination for hikers, climbers, and cultural explorers alike.

Great Nepal Treks stands out for its personalized service, expert local guides, and commitment to safety and sustainability. Unlike larger commercial operators, we specialize in small-group treks (max 10 people), ensuring individual attention and a more immersive experience. Our 1:1 Sherpa support on high-altitude climbs, luxury base camp setups (heated tents, gourmet meals), and 95% summit success rate on Everest expeditions make us a trusted choice. Additionally, we prioritize eco-friendly practices, support local communities, and provide transparent pricing—no hidden costs.

While some popular routes (e.g., Poon Hill, Langtang) allow independent trekking, hiring a guide is highly recommended for safety, navigation, and cultural insights. For restricted areas (Upper Mustang, Manaslu), a guide is mandatory. Great Nepal Treks provides certified guides with wilderness first-aid training, ensuring you avoid altitude sickness, route mistakes, and language barriers with locals.

Preparation is key for high-altitude treks like Everest Base Camp or Dhaulagiri Circuit. Focus on:

• Cardio/endurance training (hiking with a loaded backpack 3x/week).
• Altitude acclimatization (choose itineraries with rest days).
• Packing essentials (layered clothing, broken-in boots, Diamox for altitude).

Great Nepal Treks offers pre-trek training guides and gear lists to help you prepare.